Media data exchange, transfer or delivery for portable electronic devices

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems that facilitate data delivery to electronic devices are disclosed. One aspect pertains to data delivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobile devices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobile device within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelessly transmit data from one mobile device to the other. The mobile devices, or their users, can control, request or influence the particular data content being delivered.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/515,270, filed Sep. 1, 2006, and entitled “MEDIA DATAEXCHANGE, TRANSFER OR DELIVERY FOR PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICES,” whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/756,122,filed Jan. 3, 2006, and entitled “MULTIMEDIA DATA SHARING,” and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/805,328, filed Jun. 20, 2006, andentitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM.” All of the foregoing arehereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

This application is related to: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No.11/485,142, filed Jul. 11, 2006, and entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATIONSYSTEM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,724,716, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (ii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,863,filed Jan. 3, 2006, and entitled “REMOTE CONTENT UPDATES FOR PORTABLEMEDIA DEVICES,” now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2007/0169087, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference; (iii) U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/210,172, filed Aug. 22, 2005, and entitled “AUDIO SAMPLINGAND ACQUISITION SYSTEM,” now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0235864,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (iv) U.S. applicationSer. No. 10/987,649, filed Nov. 12, 2004, and entitled “WIRELESSSYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN MEDIA PLAYER AND HOST DEVICE,” now U.S. PatentPublication No. 2006/0168351, which is hereby incorporated herein byreference; and (v) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/423,490, filed Apr. 25,2003, and entitled “MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,343,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to portable electronic devices and, moreparticularly, to wireless data exchange with portable electronicdevices.

2. Description of the Related Art

Portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones, MP3 players andPersonal Digital Assistants (PDAs), are often used by individuals on apersonal basis. In other words, it is not uncommon for a person to carrya portable electronic device with them throughout their day. Often,these portable electronic devices store media data for use by theiruser. In the case of MP3 players or PDAs, media data is typicallydownloaded from a host computer when the MP3 player or PDA is connectedto the host computer by way of a cable (USB cable). In the event that aMP3 player or PDA supports wireless communication, it is possible thatthe downloading of media data to the MP3 player or PDA could beperformed in a wireless manner. In the case of mobile phones, media data(such as songs or ring tones) are downloaded over the wirelesscommunication network (i.e., cellular phone network).

However, as portable electronic devices become more versatile and moreinteractive, it is advantageous to exchange (send and/or receive) mediaor other types of data with other electronic devices in a wirelessmanner.

Thus, there is need to facilitate wireless data exchange by the portablemedia devices.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to improved methods and systems that facilitatedata delivery to electronic devices. One aspect pertains to datadelivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobiledevices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobiledevice within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelesslytransmit data from one mobile device to the other. Typically, the mobiledevices are associated with persons (users). The mobile devices, ortheir users, can control, request or influence the particular datacontent being delivered.

The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including as amethod, system, device, apparatus (including graphical user interface),or computer readable medium. Several embodiments of the invention arediscussed below.

As a method for delivery of data to a portable electronic device fromanother electronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes atleast the acts of: discovering the another electronic device via awireless network; requesting data from the another electronic deviceover the wireless network; and receiving from the another electronicdevice a wireless transmission of at least a portion of the datarequested via the wireless network.

As a method for delivery of data to a portable electronic device fromanother electronic device, another embodiment of the invention includesat least the acts of: discovering the another electronic device via awireless network; receiving information associated with the anotherelectronic device over the wireless network; determining data to beshared with the another electronic device based on the receivedinformation; and transmitting the data to be shared to the anotherelectronic device.

As a method for sharing data from a portable electronic device from atleast one other electronic device, one embodiment of the inventionincludes at least the acts of: connecting to a wireless network; andtransmitting profile information from the portable electronic device tothe at least one other electronic device over the wireless network.

As a computer readable medium including at least computer program codefor delivery of data to a portable electronic device from anotherelectronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least:computer program code for identifying that the another electronic deviceis within the vicinity of the portable electronic device; computerprogram code for requesting data from the another electronic device overa wireless link; and computer program code for receiving from theanother electronic device a wireless transmission of at least a portionof the data requested via the wireless link.

As a portable electronic device capable of interacting with anotherportable electronic device in a wireless manner, one embodiment of theinvention includes at least: wireless communication circuitry forwireless communication over a wireless link, a user input device, and aprocessor. The processor is configured to discover the anotherelectronic device via a wireless link, request data from the anotherelectronic device over the wireless link, and receive from the anotherelectronic device a wireless transmission of at least a portion of thedata requested via the wireless link.

As a method for acquiring media items for storage on a portableelectronic device, one embodiment of the invention includes at least theacts of: accessing a remote media depository via a data network;requesting a set of media items from the remote media depository; andreceiving and storing the set of media items at the portable electronicdevice over the data network.

Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent fromthe following detailed description taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, theprinciples of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be readily understood by the following detaileddescription in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data exchange system according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a data exchange environment accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a media exchange system according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a peer-to-peer media sharing arrangementaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate wireless media sharing in a peer-to-peerenvironment according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a wireless media sharing system accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of a distributed wireless data sharing systemaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a dynamic media selection process accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a patron discovery process according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a broadcast selection process according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary local broadcast screen according to oneembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are flow diagrams of a media channel selection processaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a subscription data delivery processaccording to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13A is an exemplary subscription data availability screen accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13B is an exemplary subscription data availability screen accordingto another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a localized data delivery process accordingto one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15A is a flow diagram of a mobile media update process according toone embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary representation of an existing set ofmedia items stored in a mobile media device according to one embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplary representation of an updated set ofmedia items stored in a mobile media device according to one embodimentof the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention pertains to improved methods and systems that facilitatedata delivery to electronic devices. One aspect pertains to datadelivery to electronic devices that are portable, such as, mobiledevices. In one embodiment, one mobile device discovers another mobiledevice within its vicinity. The mobile devices can then wirelesslytransmit data from one mobile device to the other. Typically, the mobiledevices are associated with persons (users). The mobile devices, ortheir users, can control, request or influence the particular datacontent being delivered.

The data delivery described is particularly suited for delivery of mediadata. “Media data,” as used herein, is digital data that pertains to atleast one of audio, video, and images. Some examples of specific formsof media data (which can be referred to as “media items”) include, butare not limited to, songs, albums, audiobooks, playlists, movies, musicvideos, photos, computer games, podcasts, audio and/or videopresentations, news reports, and sports updates. Media data is alsoreferred to as media content herein.

Embodiments of the invention are discussed below with reference to FIGS.1-15C. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate thatthe detailed description given herein with respect to these figures isfor explanatory purposes as the invention extends beyond these limitedembodiments.

Various aspects, embodiments and implementations of data exchange aredescribed below. These aspects, embodiments and implementations can beutilized separately or in any combination.

Data Exchange Environment

One aspect of the invention pertains to a data exchange environment. Thedata exchange environment facilitates exchange of data betweenelectronic devices using wired and/or wireless means. The data exchangeenvironment can pertain to exchange of media data, in which case thedata exchange environment can be considered a media exchangeenvironment.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data exchange system 100 according to oneembodiment of the invention. The data exchange system 100 permits dataexchange between a plurality of different electronic devices. At aminimum, these electronic devices are capable of receiving and storingdigital data, and may also be capable of transferring digital data.Still further, these electronic devices may also process, display,present (e.g., play) or otherwise utilize digital data.

The data exchange system 100 includes a central data device 102. Thecentral data device 102 is a central data store that stores data (i.e.,digital data) that can be acquired by any of the various electronicdevices within the data exchange system 100. In particular, a personaldata device A 104, a personal data device B 106 and a personal datadevice C 108 are each able to couple to the central data device 102. Inone embodiment, these personal data devices 104-108 couple to thecentral data device 102 over a data network, such as a global datanetwork (e.g., the Internet). Similarly, a local data device 110 cancouple to the central data device 102. In one embodiment, the local datadevice 110 can store a complete or partial copy of the data stored inthe central data device 102.

The data exchange system 100 can also support a plurality of mobiledevices (MD) 112-118 that can interact with a corresponding one of thepersonal data devices 104-108 or the local data device 110. For example,the mobile device (MD-A) 112 can couple to the personal data device A104 over a wired or wireless link 120. The mobile device (MD-A) 112 canalso wirelessly couple to any of a number of other electronic devices toshare data therewith. For example, the mobile device (MD-A) 112 cancouple to one or more of the mobile devices (MD) 114-118 and/or thelocal data device 110 over a wireless link 122.

The data being shared by the data exchange system 100 can be media data,user data, news data, etc. The data can also be referred to as personaldata, namely, data that is stored on a user's device. The central datadevice 102 can be a central server, the local data device 110 can be alocal server, the personal data devices 104-108 can be personalcomputers, and the mobile devices 112-118 can be highly portableelectronic devices. For example, the highly portable electronic devicescan be handheld or smaller. In one implementation, the highly portableelectronic devices can be palm-sized, such that they easily fit withinthe hand or palm of its user. In another implementation, the highlyportable electronic devices can be wearable.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a data exchange environment 200according to one embodiment of the invention. The data exchangeenvironment 200 is, for example, suitable for implementation by the dataexchange system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1. The data exchange environment200 provides the ability for electronic devices to share data from onedevice to another. The sharing of data enables the data to be morereadily available.

The data exchange environment 200 includes central data 202. The centraldata 202 represents centralized data that can be used by a variety ofdifferent electronic devices. As an example, the central data can beprovided by the central data device 102 illustrated in FIG. 1. The dataexchange environment 200 also includes stationary personal data 204. Thestationary personal data 204 is personal data that is stored within anelectronic device that is generally stationary. As an example, thestationary personal data 204 can be stored within the personal datadevice A 104 illustrated in FIG. 1. The stationary personal data 204 canbe acquired from the central data 202 over a link 206. Some or all ofthe stationary personal data 204 can be provided as mobile personal data208. The mobile personal data can be acquired from the stationarypersonal data 204 over a wired or wireless link 210 and stored within anelectronic device that is generally mobile. As an example, the mobilepersonal data 208 can be stored within the mobile device A 112illustrated in FIG. 1. Similarly, the data exchange environment 200 caninclude stationary personal data that is coupled to the central data 202over a link 214 and mobile personal data 216 that is coupled to thestationary personal data 212 over a wired or wireless link 218. Hence,the central data 202, the stationary personal data 204 and the mobilepersonal data 208 can represent a hierarchy of digital data, where datacan be shared throughout the hierarchy. Since the data being shared isoften associated with a given user, the data can be convenientlyavailable at multiple points in the hierarchy.

The data exchange environment 200 can also permit data sharing betweenthe mobile personal data 208 and the mobile personal data 216 over alink 220. Typically, the link 220 is a wireless link. The wireless linkcan be implemented by radio frequency transmissions, opticaltransmissions, etc. Since the mobile personal data 208 and the mobilepersonal data 216 are typically associated with different users, thesharing of such data can provide access to data beyond that availablefrom the hierarchy associated with the user.

The data exchange environment 200 can also include local data 222. Thelocal data 222 represents data that is to be provided in a specificgeographical location. The mobile personal data 208 can be linked to thelocal data 222 by a link 224, and the mobile personal data 216 can belinked to the local data 222 over a link 226. The links 224 and 226 aretypically wireless links.

Additionally, the mobile personal data 208 can couple to the centraldata 202 directly over a link 228, and the mobile personal data 216 cancouple to the central data 202 directly over a link 230. Typically, thelinks 228 and 230 are wireless links.

Hence, the mobile personal data 208 can be acquired from any one or moreof the central data 202, the stationary personal data 204, the mobilepersonal data 216, or the local data 222. Likewise, the mobile personaldata 216 can be acquired from any one or more of the central data 202,the stationary personal data 212, the mobile personal data 208, or thelocal data 222.

The data being shared can vary depending upon implementation. Forexample, the data being shared may pertain to video, music, games,photos, playlists, slideshows, etc. As another example, the data can beresource data, such as a map, which possibly could be displayed by thedata device. The data being shared can also be subscription content. Thedata can also pertain to a profile, such as a profile associated with auser. One class of data that can be shared is media data. The nature inwhich media items are shared can be unrestricted or restricted. Examplesof restricted sharing of media items include a media item that haslimited-use rights or which contains only a sample of the full content.

The data being shared can be transferred to a recipient device by filetransfer or streaming. The data being transferred can be received by oneor more data devices. Examples of data devices include a media player,PDA, a speaker unit, a wireless transmitter/receiver unit, etc. Users ofdata devices can also create and distribute content through datasharing. The streaming can be limited so as to restrict the number ofdata devices simultaneously receiving the data. On the other hand, ifthe users of the data devices are subscribers to the streaming content(i.e., have a subscription), then the streaming can be unlimited as tosubscribers.

Data can be shared after being purchased. For example, a recipient couldpurchase data from a remote server. The remote server would then causethe purchased data to be delivered to the recipient's data device. Thepurchase can be performed in real-time or can be deferred until a laterpoint in time. Thereafter, the purchased data can be shared from therecipient's data device to another data device.

The sharing or exchange of data can be automatic, manual or acombination of manual and automatic. For example, automatic sharing ofdata can occur when a data device comes within range of a wirelesstransmission of data. As another example, data can be automaticallytransferred in the context of a synchronize operation. The synchronizeoperation can be automatic or operated in accordance with a schedule.The synchronize operation can also be manually initiated.

The manner by which the data arrives at the data device can depend uponimplementation. For example, the data can be directly transferred to thedata device, or the data can be indirectly transferred to the datadevice. For example, the data transfer can be between one data device toanother data device. Alternatively, one data device can cause anotherdata device to transfer desired data to a recipient data device.

A data device can be used to control the data that is on the device oron an associated host device. For example, a user of a data device couldeither purchase, or mark for later purchase, media that they hear. Insuch case, the purchased data can be eventually received at the datadevice associated with the user (purchaser). Alternatively, the user ofthe data device may request a shuffling of the data stored on the datadevice. The shuffling is, in effect, a remote shuffle of the data inthat the data device can receive a new set of data (e.g., media items)following the shuffle operation.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a media exchange system 300 according toone embodiment of the invention. The media exchange system 300 permitsthe exchange of media data between various different electronic devices.Media data pertains to media such as music, video, photos, games, andthe like. Although the media exchange system 300 is described in thecontext of sharing media data, it should be understood that, moregenerally, data can be shared using a data sharing system.

The media exchange system 300 includes a central media server 301 and awired data network 302. The central media server 301 couples to thewired data network 302. The wired data network 302 can be a globalnetwork, a wide area network, or a local area network. In one example,the wired data network 302 pertains to some portion of the World WideWeb. A personal computer 304 can couple to the wired data network 302. Awireless data network 306 can also couple to the wired data network 302.The wireless data network 306 can include one or more wireless datanetworks, such as cellular networks, WiFi networks, WiMAX networks,Bluetooth networks, etc. The media exchange system 300 can also includea local media server 308 that can couple to one or both of the wireddata network 302 and the wireless data network 306.

The central media server 301 stores or has access to numerous mediaitems. The local media server 308 also stores or has access to variousmedia items. In addition, the media exchange system 300 supports aplurality of portable media devices 310, 316 and 320. The portable mediadevice 310 can communicate with the personal computer 304 over a wiredlink 312 or a wireless link 314. As an example, the wired link 312 cancorrespond to a cable that, if available, can interconnect the portablemedia device 310 to the personal computer 304. The wireless link 314 canbe provided by a short range wireless capability, such as Bluetooth,infrared, etc. Typically, the portable media device 310 would be capableof communicating with the personal computer 304 using either the wiredlink 312 or the wireless link 314.

The portable media device 316 can couple to the wireless data network306 over a wireless link 318. Similarly, the portable media device 320can couple to the wireless data network 306 over a wireless link 322. Inthis regard, the portable media devices 316 and 320 can access thecentral media server 301 and/or the local media server 308 via thewireless data network 306. In addition, the portable media devices 310,316 and 320 may be able to wirelessly access each other, therebyexchange media data between portable media devices.

Optionally, the media exchange system 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 can alsosupport a wireless hub 324. The wireless hub 324 can couple to thepersonal computer 304 over a wireless link 326. An electronic device 328can then couple to the wireless hub over a link 330. In one embodiment,the link 330 is a cable. The electronic device 328 can be any of a widevariety of devices. For example, the electronic device 328 can be astereo system, a printer, a television, a memory device, an appliance, acomputer, etc. Alternatively, the wireless hub 324 could wirelesslycouple to other devices within the media exchange system 300 besides thepersonal computer 304. For example, the wireless hub 324 couldwirelessly link to the central media server 301, the local media server308 or any of the media devices 310, 316 and 320.

In one embodiment, one or more of the mobile devices, such as the mobiledevices 310, 316 or 320 illustrated in FIG. 3, can pertain to mediadevices. More particularly, the media devices can pertain to mediaplayers, such as the iPod® media player from Apple Inc. These mobiledevices can include a media management application that operates on themobile device. One example of a media management application is iTunes®,available from Apple Inc. Given the portability of mobile devices,mobile devices are smaller and have less resources. Consequently, amedia management application designed for use on a mobile device mayoffer less features and capabilities than would a counterpart mediamanagement application operating on a larger, more powerful computingdevice, e.g., a personal computer. Given that the mobile devices havewireless access to the local media server 308 or the central mediaserver 301, the mobile devices can interact with the media servers 301and 308 to request and/or receive media data (or other data). In thisregard, a media management application operating on the mobile devicescan communicate with the media servers 301 and 308 to perform varioustasks, including: navigating available media content at the servers(such as navigation of a media store), receiving a periodic delivery ofmedia content to media devices (such as daily pushing media data from aserver to a media device), etc.

Peer-to-Peer Data Sharing

According to another aspect of the invention, mobile devices (e.g.,portable media devices) can communicate with one another. This type ofcommunication can be referred to as peer-to-peer interaction. In thisregard, one mobile device can communicate (e.g., unicast) directly withanother mobile device. In another example, one mobile device cancommunicate (e.g., broadcast, anycast or multicast) to a plurality ofother mobile devices. Still further, a mobile device can interact withother electronic devices besides a mobile device, such as portable mediadevices. For example, other electronic devices include speakers,computers, accessories, home entertainment products, etc.

A mobile device, such as a portable media player, can also operate as aremote controller for other electronic devices. For additional detailson a portable media player operating as a remote controller, see, e.g.,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/314,291, filed Dec. 20, 2005,entitled “PORTABLE MEDIA PLAYER AS A LOW POWER REMOTE CONTROL AND METHODTHEREOF”, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,702,279, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

In the peer-to-peer environment, one mobile device can communicate withone or more other electronic devices (whether mobile or stationary) inthe immediate vicinity. Data sharing can be performed when suchcommunication is available.

In a public environment, such as a train, mobile devices can serve toenable riders on the train to share data in a peer-to-peer manner. Inthis regard, the mobile devices would discover other nearby (e.g., inthe vicinity) mobile devices and then proceed to transfer data. Thenature and extent of the data transfer can be controlled. For example,the data to be shared can be restricted (partially or fully) and/orrequire authorization. The type of data being exchanged can be mediadata or other data (e.g., contact information, user profile, etc.).

In the home environment, the peer-to-peer data transfer could be betweena mobile device and a computing device, such as a home computer oranother mobile device. Typically, the mobile device and the computingdevice would be associated with a particular user. For example, when themobile device is within range of a home computer (or a home network),data transfer can be performed between the mobile device and the homecomputer. The data transfer can be automatic without any user action orcan alternatively require manual approval by a user. In one embodiment,the data transfer can be part of a synchronization operation. Foradditional details on synchronization, particularly in a wirelessmanner, see, e.g., U.S. application Ser. No. 10/987,649, filed Nov. 12,2004, and entitled “WIRELESS SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN MEDIA PLAYER ANDHOST DEVICE”, now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0168351, which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

In the work environment, as a user comes into an employer's office towork, the user's mobile device can transfer data to the user's workcomputer or to a network server for the office. The data transfer can beautomatic without any user action or can alternatively require manualapproval by a user. The user of the mobile device can also communicatewith mobile devices of coworkers to exchange data. For example, in ameeting in a conference room, a mobile device having a slidepresentation can be shared (e.g., streamed or transferred) to each ofthe mobile devices within the conference room.

Regardless of the particular environment, the data transfer can bewireless. The wireless data transfer can be facilitated by a wirelessnetwork. One mobile device could wirelessly transmit data in a unicastfashion from one mobile device to another mobile device or stationarycomputing device. Still further, one mobile device could wirelesslytransmit data in a multicast or broadcast fashion to a plurality ofother mobile devices.

The data being transferred can be associated with various types of data.For example, the data can pertain to personal information (such as auser profile), work documents, media data, etc. In one embodiment, thesharing of such data can be managed on mobile devices to control thetype and extent of data transfer that is performed. Such control can beassociated with the mobile device that is sending the data as well as amobile device that is receiving the data.

In another embodiment, one mobile device can transmit their preferenceswithin the general vicinity. The preferences that have been essentiallypublished can then be used by other mobile or stationary devices withinthe proximity to determine whether they have any data for sharing withthe mobile device, where such data for sharing is determined inaccordance with the preferences that were transmitted. Also, in thecontext of personal information sharing, a user of a mobile device canprovide a personal user profile that can be exchanged with other nearbymobile devices or stationary devices so that users of such other devicescan understand the user of the mobile device and what his/her interestsmight be.

As noted previously, media devices are able to wirelessly share datawith one another. For example, a user of a media device may configure orarrange for a subset of its media data to be shareable with other mediadevices. The scope or extent of sharing being permitted can becontrolled by the media device, such as through use of a graphical userinterface available on the media device. Alternatively, the scope orextent of sharing being permitted can be controlled by another mediadevice. Additionally, in one embodiment, to facilitate sharing of mediadata, if a first user of a media device shares with a second user ofanother media device, the first person can receive an incentive rewardfor such sharing. In one example, the incentive award can be on-linemedia store credits that allow the first user to acquire media contentfrom a media store using the award credits. The nature or degree of thecredits can be increased or restricted to those situations in which thesecond user buys the media content being shared from an authorizedsource, such as an on-line media store. In one embodiment, the mediacontent being shared from the first media device to the second mediadevice is a playlist.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a peer-to-peer media sharing arrangement400 according to one embodiment of the invention. The media sharingarrangement 400 includes a mobile media device 402 that wirelesslycouples to one or more other mobile media devices 404-408. The mobilemedia device 402 can transmit media content to one of the mobile mediadevices 404-408, a plurality of the mobile media devices 404-408, or allof the mobile media devices 404-408. The transmission of the mediacontent can, for example, be by broadcast, anycast, unicast, ormulticast.

FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate wireless media sharing in a peer-to-peerenvironment according to one embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 5A, awireless media sharing system 500 is depicted having a mobile mediadevice 502 providing a wireless network 504. Although the wirelessnetwork 504 is omni-directional, it should be understood that thewireless network 504 could also be substantially directional. As shownin FIG. 5A, a mobile media device 506 is outside of the wireless localnetwork 504 provided by the mobile media device 502. Accordingly, in theconfiguration shown in FIG. 5A, the mobile media device 502 and themobile media device 506 are not able to communicate over the wirelessnetwork 504. In other words, the mobile media device 506 is out of rangeof the wireless network 504 provided by the mobile media device 502.Hence, even if the mobile media device 502 were transmitting data, themobile media device 506 would be out of range and thus unable to receivethe transmitted data.

In FIG. 5B, the mobile media device 506 has been repositioned, such asthrough movement of the user of the mobile media device 506. As aresult, the mobile media device 506 is now within the wireless network504. In other words, as shown in FIG. 5B, the mobile media device 506 iswithin range of the wireless network 504 provided by the mobile mediadevice 502. Consequently, data can be transferred from the mobile mediadevice 502 to the mobile media device 506. The mobile media device 506would also typically be able to transfer data from the mobile mediadevice 506 to the mobile media device 502.

In FIG. 5C, the wireless media sharing system 500 is generally similarto that illustrated in FIG. 5B, except that another mobile media device508 is also provided within the wireless network 504. In this case, themobile media device 502 can communicate with both the mobile mediadevice 506 and the mobile media device 508. In one example, the mobilemedia device 502 can multicast or broadcast to both of the mobile mediadevices 506 and 508.

The media sharing that can be performed by the wireless media sharingsystem 500 illustrated in FIGS. 5A-5C can be used in a variety ofdifferent environments. For example, if the wireless network 504 is athome, the providing of a mobile media device in the home allows mediatransfer to occur with respect to the mobile media device. Similarly,when the wireless network 504 is at one's place of work, then theproviding of the mobile media device at the place of work facilitatesdata transfer with the mobile media device. As another example, inpublic locations, mobile media devices may be within wireless range ofone another, such that media transfers can occur, even if the users ofthe mobile media devices are unknown to one another.

Besides sharing media data between mobile media devices, other types ofdata can be shared. For example, personal information can be transferredbetween mobile media devices. The personal information to be shared canbe transmitted (e.g., broadcast) by one mobile media device to othermobile media devices, provided the devices are within wireless range. Inanother example, a mobile media device can transfer personal informationto other mobile media devices within wireless range that satisfypredetermined criteria (e.g., rules). For example, mobile media devicescan make available personal information, such as characteristics oftheir users, interests, contact information, etc., and the mobile mediadevices can examine the predetermined criteria to determine whetherinformation should be transmitted or exchanged with such mobile mediadevices.

As noted above, a primary mobile device can operate to discover othermobile devices that are nearby through use of a wireless network.Typically, the wireless network is a local wireless network thatsupports only short-range communications. One example of the short-rangecan be less than 100 meters. Another example of the short-range can beless than 25 meters. Still another example of the short-range can beless than 10 meters. Hence, the availability of another mobile device onthe local wireless network signals that such mobile device is within thevicinity of the primary mobile device. In another embodiment, a remotenetwork and a remote server computer can be used to determine whenmobile devices are nearby. The locations of the mobile devices can beexamined to determine if the devices are nearby. The mobile devices canuse global positioning systems (GPS) or network triangulation todetermine their positions. The remote network and the remote server canalso be used to transfer data between the mobile devices that arenearby. As ex example, the remote network can include a mobile (e.g.,cellular) telephone network.

Local Data Sharing

Another aspect of the invention pertains to a local content server. Thelocal content server operates within a local wireless environment. Thelocal content server can be provided at a particular location, such as abusiness (i.e., establishment), city or other entity for the purpose ofwirelessly transmitting data to a nearby mobile device. In other words,when a mobile device is within the vicinity of the local content serverthat is provided at the particular location, the mobile device is ableto transmit/receive data with the local content server. As used herein,“in the vicinity” means a region at or near a location.

In the case of a business, such as a coffee shop, theater or retailstore, the business may provide an in-store content server that providesa data access point in a wireless manner. In one example, the businesscould be normally broadcasting media data (e.g., music or other audioinformation) to patrons within their business. The media data can beprovided locally by a media system (e.g., sound system), which may bepart of the local content server. In addition, the local content servercan enable additional data to be wirelessly transmitted to the mobiledevices of patrons within the business.

As an example, if a sound system were playing music within the business'premises, a patron's mobile device provided within the business'premises could receive information about the song being played by way ofa wireless transmission from the local content server to the patron'smobile device. Such information regarding the song being played couldthen be presented on a display screen of the patron's mobile device forthe patron to view. In addition, the display screen on the patron'smobile device can enable the patron to access further informationregarding the business or the media being played. This additionalinformation can facilitate the purchase of media or other products orservices available from the business. For ease of purchase, a one-clickor few clicks option to purchase the media or other products can be madeavailable. Still further, a user could indicate or mark/tag a media itemor other product for future consideration for purchase.

As another example, a user of a mobile device may be at a movie theaterand may hear or otherwise desire to access a movie soundtrack or videotrailer. Given the user's location at the movie theater, the mobiledevice of the user can receive a wireless transmission (via a localcontent server) of a soundtrack or video trailer if so desired by theuser. Further, a more specific user location at the movie theater (e.g.,at a region associated with a first movie) can be used to determine thedata to be transmitted to the mobile device of the user. The user mayalso receive advertisements that are targeted to persons who aregenerally interested in movies or specifically interested in the movieassociated with the soundtrack or video trailer. The advertisements canbe presented on the display screen on the mobile device. The user canalso purchase tickets for the user at the movie theater using the mobiledevice.

As yet another example, a city may want to make certain city datareadily available to persons within the city. For example, the city mayprovide a city map with locations of interest to persons within the cityby way of a wireless local server. In such a case, a mobile devicewithin city limits would be able to wirelessly receive an electronicversion of the city map. A smaller scale implementation can also beprovided for a town, community or village.

Regardless of the particular type of entity that the user of a mobiledevice visits, the location of the user can infer user interest orpreferences. For example, when the user is at a movie theater, the useris likely interested in movies. As another example, when the user is atan airport, the user is likely interested in flight arrival anddeparture times.

The fact that certain patrons in a business' store have mobile devicescan also facilitate the business in gathering information on patrons.For example, by interaction with mobile devices of patrons that are inthe vicinity of the business' site, the business can receive a profileassociated with the patron. In one embodiment, the profile can indicatecharacteristics of the person, age, salary range, and interests. Otherinformation businesses might receive from the mobile device could be thetime the patron was in the store, how frequently the patron visitsstores of the business, etc.

In general, content received at a predetermined location can becustomized or personalized for the user of the mobile device. Forexample, the customization or personalization can be based on userpreferences, user characteristics, listening habits and/or theenvironment. For example, if your user preferences or listening habitsindicate that you like country music, then, when visiting a business,the business can provide information to your mobile device that iscustomized or personalized for users that like country music. Forexample, if the user enters a music store to browse music, the user'smobile device can be presented with information concerning country songsor associated products that may be of interest to the user.

FIG. 6A is a block diagram of a wireless media sharing system 600according to one embodiment of the invention. The wireless media sharingsystem 600 includes a local media server 602. The local media server 602is, for example, suitable for use as the local media server 308illustrated in FIG. 3. The local media server 602 stores or has accessto various media items. A wireless transceiver 604 couples to the localmedia server 602 and produces a wireless network 606. Wirelesscommunications between the wireless transceiver 604 and mobile devices(wireless devices) 608 and 610 allow the mobile devices 608 and 610 tointeract with the local media server 602. More particularly, thewireless transceiver 604 can provide the wireless network 606, and themobile devices 608 and 610 can interact with the local media server 602so long as the mobile devices 608 and 610 are within the wirelessnetwork 606. Additionally, the local media server 602 can be coupled toa central media server, such as the central media server 301 illustratedin FIG. 3, via a network link 612.

The wireless media sharing system 600 can be provided at a particularvenue and offer wireless interaction for users of mobile devices whileat the venue. The venue can also participate in co-branding of the mediabeing provided to the mobile devices 608 and 610 at the venue. Forexample, the venue could be a coffee shop, theater or a retail store.The local media server 602 can provide access to a central media server.The local media server 602 can transfer (e.g., broadcast, anycast ormulticast) media to the mobile devices 608 and 610. The local mediaserver 602 can also dynamically determine which media items are to betransmitted (e.g., broadcast) or played at the venue based on thecharacteristics of the users of the mobile devices 608 and 610 at thevenue. Still further, the local media server 602 could also acquireinformation from users of the mobile devices 608 and 610. For example,the acquired information can pertain to user characteristics, userratings of media items, how long users have been in the store, whatportions of the store they found most interesting, and what media itemsthey were receiving (e.g., listening to).

The venue can also facilitate the users of the mobile devices 608 and610 in buying media content, either from the local media server 602 or acentral media server. The local media server 602 can also provideinformation on what songs or other media is currently playing at thevenue, and the mobile devices 608 and 610 can store and/or display suchinformation on a display screen. A user of the mobile devices 608 and610 can also select, mark or tag a media item they hear or see while inthe venue, so that the media item can be automatically purchased, addedto an interest list, or available for deferred purchase.

As previously noted, the venue can also gather information concerningthe users of the mobile devices 608 and 610. Such information caninclude when and how often the users were in the venue. Further,different users, based on their preference or criteria settings, canreceive different or personalized media content while at the venue. Inanother embodiment, users could make requests for particular mediacontent, such as through making selection with reference to a userinterface for the mobile devices 608 and 610.

The location of the venue and/or the media devices can infer theinterest or preferences of the users. For example, if the venue is anairport, a local media server could provide airport arrival anddeparture information, weather, etc. that a traveler might desire. Asanother example, if the user is visiting a city (e.g., one that theyhave not lived in for some time), the local city map may be of interestand available from a local server. As still another example, a venue,such as a movie theater, can provide a local media server that wouldfacilitate the buying of movie tickets or soundtracks and could alsomake video trailers available.

The local media server 602 together with the wireless transceiver 604can broadcast or multicast media content to mobile devices 608 and 610.The mobile devices 608 and 610 can also restrict or limit what type ofdata they permit to be received. For example, the user of the mobiledevice 608 can enter user preferences that operate to automaticallyfilter out unwanted transmissions from local servers. On the other hand,the local media server 602 can examine the user preferences, criteria orlistening habits of a user and then transmit user data that isconsistent with their interests.

FIG. 6B is a block diagram of a distributed wireless data sharing system620 according to one embodiment of the invention. The distributedwireless data sharing system 620 can include a plurality of local mediasystems (LMS) that are provided at different locations, such as atdifferent venues or establishments. In particular, as illustrated inFIG. 6B, the distributed wireless data sharing system 620 includes afirst local media system (LMS-1) 621 that provides a wirelessenvironment 622 at a first location; a second local media system (LMS-2)624 that provides a wireless environment 626 at a second location; athird local media system (LMS-3) 628 that provides a wirelessenvironment 630 at a third location; and a fourth local media system(LMS-4) 632 that provides a wireless environment 634 at a fourthlocation. Each of the plurality of local media systems 621, 624, 628 and632 can couple to a data network 636. As an example, the data networkcan be a local area network, a wide area network or global data network,such as the Internet.

A central media system (CMS) 638 can also be coupled to the data network636. The central media system 628 can provide centralized storage,sales, management and/or distribution of electronic data, such as mediacontent. Media content can pertain to one or more different types ofmedia, including music, video, audiobooks, podcasts, and images. Moreparticularly, any of the local media systems 621, 624, 628 and 632 caninteract with the central media system 638 to acquire media content.Then, the local media system 621, 624, 628 and 632 can broadcast,multicast or otherwise deliver media content to mobile electronicdevices that are within range of their wireless environments 622, 626,630 and 634, respectively. In addition, information, such as patroninformation (e.g., demographics, profile or feedback), acquired at thelocal media systems 621, 624, 628 and 632 can be provided to the centralmedia system 638. The central media system 638 can use the patroninformation to better provide data or other services for patrons at thevarious locations supported by the local media systems 621, 624, 628 and632.

According to another aspect of the invention, a customized mediaenvironment can be provided at an establishment. In one embodiment, thecustomization is automatic or dynamic so that user or patron interactionmay not be needed. In another embodiment, patron interaction can be usedto provide the customized media environment.

The customized media environment can be associated with a media store.The media store can be provided at a remote server that is operativelyconnected to the customized media environment by way of a network.Alternatively, the media store can be provided by the customized mediaenvironment itself by way of a local server.

The customized media content can depend upon the patrons within thestore, currently or recently or over time (e.g., historically). In thisregard, the customized media content for the customized mediaenvironment can be different at different establishments, even the sametype of establishment in different locations may have differentcustomized media environments. The customization can also be dependentupon the demographics of the customers, time of day, etc. Thecustomization of the media environment can be determined based on whatis popular in the associated geographic area. For example, the top 40media items being purchased (e.g., from an online media store) bypersons in the region (e.g., city) of the establishment can be selectedas the customized media content for the establishment.

Besides customizing a media environment for a particular establishment,different users or classes of users can be presented with different userinterfaces. For example, a child might be presented with a reducedfeature interface, whereas a college student may receive a sophisticateduser interface with full-featured support.

Although the wireless data sharing systems discussed above in FIGS. 6Aand 6B provide a local server or system (e.g., local media server) at anestablishment or location, it should be understood that in otherembodiments a server or part of the system could be provided remotelyfrom the establishment or location, yet connected through wired and/orwireless networks. Such remotely provided server or part of the systemcould also even be used to support data sharing at multipleestablishments or locations.

FIG. 7 is a flow diagram of a dynamic media selection process 700according to one embodiment of the invention. The dynamic mediaselection process 700 is, for example, performed by a local media server(e.g., the local media server 602 illustrated in FIG. 6A) or local mediasystem (e.g., any of the local media systems 621, 624, 628 and 632illustrated in FIG. 6B).

The dynamic media selection process 700 initially provides a local mediacontent broadcast at an establishment. In one embodiment, the localmedia content can be broadcast by streaming the local media content froma local media server over a localized wireless network provided at theestablishment. In another embodiment, the local media content can bebroadcast over radio waves, such as localized AM or FM broadcasts. Usersor patrons of the establishment that have a wireless electronic deviceare able to receive the broadcasted local media content via a wirelessnetwork or localized AM or FM broadcast. In still another embodiment,the local media content can be broadcast by a media system (e.g., soundsystem) having media output devices (e.g., speakers) at theestablishment.

Once the local media content broadcast is provided 702, a decision 704can determine whether local media content being broadcasted is to beupdated. In other words, the decision 704 determines whether the localmedia content being broadcast at the establishment should be updated atthis time. In one implementation, the media content can be periodicallyevaluated for an update, such as every ten (10) minutes or some otherpredetermined period of time. In any case, when the decision 704determines that media content update should be performed,characteristics, preferences and/or requests of one or more patrons atthe establishment are obtained 706. The characteristics, preferencesand/or requests are from those patrons at the establishment that havemobile devices (i.e., wireless electronic devices).

After the characteristics, preferences and/or requests of the patronsare obtained 706, updated media content can be determined 708 based onthe obtained characteristics, preferences and/or requests. Thedetermination 708 of the updated media content can thus be influenced bythe patrons at the establishment. The mobile devices associated withsuch patrons can interact with a local media server at the establishmentto exchange the characteristics, preferences and/or requests. The localmedia server can then accumulate the characteristics, preferences and/orrequests and determine whether an update to the existing media contentshould be performed. As an example, the media content can be updated todifferent media content that is more to the liking of the patrons at theestablishment. In one embodiment, characteristics, preferences and/orprior requests of patrons can be used to dynamically influence mediaselection at the establishment without any patron participation. Inanother embodiment, requests of patrons can be used to influence mediaselection at the establishment through such patron participation.

After the updated media content has been determined 708, the local mediacontent broadcast at the establishment can be updated 710. The update tothe local media content broadcast could be implemented immediately or ina deferred manner. To defer the local media content broadcast update, amedia output queue could be utilized to hold the sequence of mediacontent to be broadcast. In any case, following the block 710, thedynamic media selection process 700 returns to repeat the decision 704and subsequent blocks so that the media content being broadcast can berepeatedly updated.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a patron discovery process 800 according toone embodiment of the invention. The patron discovery process 800 can,for example, be utilized by the block 706 of the dynamic media selectionprocess 700 illustrated in FIG. 7 to determine those patrons havingmobile devices that are at an establishment.

The patron discovery process 800 can begin with a decision 802. Thedecision 802 determines whether an establishment should be queried forpatrons. Typically, the establishment would be queried for its currentpatrons on a periodic basis. When the decision 802 determines that it isnot time to query for patrons, the patron discovery process 800 waitsfor the appropriate time. On the other hand, when the decision 802determines that it is an appropriate time to query the establishment forpatrons, mobile devices of patrons at the establishment are discovered804. Typically, mobile devices that support wireless interaction can bediscovered 804 if they are in range of a wireless access point providedat the establishment. In one embodiment, the range of the wirelessaccess point includes at least a substantial part of the establishment.In another embodiment, the range of the wireless access point furtherincludes the vicinity of the establishment. Here, well known networkdiscovery techniques can be used to locate the mobile devices (withwireless capabilities) that are located at the establishment. The mobiledevices can vary. As an example, the mobile devices can include portablemedia players, mobile phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs),portable game players, etc.

Once the mobile devices are discovered 804, information can be acquiredfrom the mobile devices that can be utilized by a local media server atthe establishment. In particular, a first discovered mobile device canbe initially selected 806. A decision 808 can then determine whetherinformation sharing has been authorized by the patron associated withthe mobile device. In this embodiment, a patron (user) of a mobiledevice is given the option of participating or declining participationin information sharing.

When the decision 808 determines that information sharing has beenauthorized, then patron data can be retrieved 810 from the mobiledevice. The patron data can refer to characteristics, preferences and/orrequests of a patron that are stored in the mobile device associatedwith the patron. On the other hand, when the decision 808 determinesthat information sharing has not been authorized, then the block 810 isbypassed because the patron has not authorized sharing of its patrondata.

In any case, following the block 810 or following the decision 808 whenthe block 810 is being bypassed, a decision 812 determines whether morediscovered mobile devices are to be processed. When the decision 812determines that there are more mobile devices to be processed, thepatron discovery process 800 returns to repeat the block 806 so that anext discovered mobile device can be selected and similarly processed.Alternatively, when the decision 812 determines that no more discoveredmobile devices are to be processed, the patron discovery process 800returns to repeat the block 802 so that the patron discovery process 800can repeat its processing, typically on a periodic basis.

Another aspect of the invention is an establishment that provides aplurality of broadcasts. The broadcasts are local to the establishment.When a user of a mobile device enters an establishment, the user canreceive a plurality of broadcasts that are made available by theestablishment. Typically, the establishment would utilize a mediadelivery server at the establishment to provide the one or morebroadcasts over a wireless data network. As an example, the mobiledevice of the user can present a graphical user interface thatidentifies the available broadcasts at the establishment and allows theuser to select the desired broadcast. As another example, the mobiledevice of the user could alternatively automatically select from theavailable broadcast based on preferences, user history or the like.These broadcasts can also be implemented as multicasts.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of a broadcast selection process 900 accordingto one embodiment of the invention. The broadcast selection process 900can operate to permit a patron at an establishment to select one of aplurality of available broadcasts made available at the establishment.The broadcast selection process 900 is, for example, performed by alocal media server (e.g., the local media server 602 illustrated in FIG.6A) or local media system (e.g., any of the local media systems 621,624, 628 and 632 illustrated in FIG. 6B).

The broadcast selection process 900 begins with a decision 902 thatdetermines whether a patron has been discovered. Here, when the patronhas an electronic device (mobile device), a local server at theestablishment can discover the presence of the electronic device at theestablishment. Hence, once the decision 902 determines that a patron hasbeen discovered, the mobile device associated with the patron can beinformed 904 of the available broadcasts at the establishment. Inanother embodiment, an establishment may offer a plurality of concurrentbroadcasts of different data. Here, in one embodiment, the local servercan wirelessly transmit a list of the available broadcasts. In oneexample, the list can be provided as a markup language document (e.g.,XML document) containing descriptive data (e.g., metadata) pertaining tothe available broadcasts. The mobile device can interpret the markuplanguage document to present local broadcast information on a display ofthe mobile device. FIG. 10, which is described below, provides anexample of a presentation of local broadcast information on a display.

After the mobile device associated with the patron has been informed 904of the available broadcasts, a decision 906 can determine whether abroadcast selection has been made. Here, the patron may select one ofthe available broadcasts to receive while at the establishment. Forexample, the broadcast selection can be made with respect to localbroadcast information being presented on the display of the mobiledevice. As a particular example, a user can interact with a userinterface associated with the mobile device to select one of theavailable local broadcasts. Such selection can utilize a button, dial,touch surface, voice or other user input means of the mobile device.When the decision 906 determines that a broadcast selection has not beenmade, then it is assumed that the patron has declined to receive any ofthe available broadcasts. In this case, the broadcast selection process900 returns to repeat the decision 902 and subsequent blocks so that thebroadcast selection process 900 can be repeated for each discoveredpatron.

On the other hand, when the patron does select one of the availablelocal broadcasts, the selected broadcast can be transmitted 908 to themobile device associated with the patron. Typically, a local mediaserver provided at the establishment would configure its wirelesstransmission such that the selected broadcast is wirelessly transmittedvia a wireless network to the mobile device associated with the patronwhile in the vicinity of the establishment. In this manner, the mobiledevice is able to receive the selected broadcast and present the mediacontent or other data associated therewith to the patron, who is theuser of the mobile device. Following the block 908, the broadcastselection process 900 returns to repeat the decision 902 and subsequentblocks so that the broadcast selection process 900 can be repeated foreach discovered patron. To the extent that multiple mobile devices areto receive the same broadcast, the transmission of the selectedbroadcast can be implemented by broadcasting or multicasting forefficient data transmission.

FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary local broadcast screen 1000 accordingto one embodiment of the invention. The local broadcast screen canrepresent a screen being displayed on a display of a mobile deviceassociated with a patron. The local broadcast screen 1000 can thusinform the patron of the local broadcasts that are available. In thisexample, the patron is informed that the establishment is presentlyoffering four different local broadcasts, namely, “Week 3—NFL”,“Financial News”, “Classical Mix”, and “Pop Mix”. In addition, the localbroadcast screen 1000 indicates a “Decline” selection as also beingavailable in the event that the patron desires to decline to receive anyof the local broadcasts. The patron can interact with the localbroadcast screen 1000 to either select one of the available localbroadcasts or to decline the broadcasts.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are flow diagrams of a media channel selection process1100 according to one embodiment of the invention. The media channelselection process 1100 is, for example, performed by a mobile device(i.e., wireless electronic device), such as the mobile device 608 or themobile device 610 illustrated in FIG. 6A.

The media channel selection process 1100 initially participates 1102 indetection of a mobile device (associated with a patron) at anestablishment (or venue). Typically, the mobile device would be detectedby a local server shortly after the patron enters the establishment.Next, available media content information is obtained 1104 from thelocal server. Typically, the available media content information wouldbe obtained 1104 by wireless interaction of the mobile device with thelocal server. Then, a decision 1106 determines whether a preferencesetting associated with the patron or the mobile device influences themedia channel selection. When the decision 1106 determines that apreference setting does influence the media channel selection, the mediachannel is selected 1108 based on the preference setting.

On the other hand, when the decision 1106 determines that there is nopreference setting that affects the media channel selection, a graphicaluser interface is presented 1110 on a display of the mobile device. Asan example, the graphical user interface being presented 1110 is adisplay screen that presents to the user indications (e.g., titles,abstracts, summaries, or images) of one or more media channels that areavailable at the establishment for selection. Next, a decision 1112determines whether a user selection has been made. Here, the userselection can correspond to selection of one of the available mediachannels as indicated on the graphical user interface. Once the decision1112 determines that a user selection has been made, a media channel canbe selected 1114 based on the user selection.

Following the block 1108 or the block 1114, the mobile device canrequest 1116 to receive the selected media channel. Here, the request1116 to receive the selected media channel is provided to the localserver. In response to the request 1116, the mobile device can receiveand present 1118 media content over the selected media channel. Themedia content being received over the selected media channel can beprovided to the mobile device in a wireless manner, such as throughstreaming. As an example, the media content being received can be audioor video data being streamed to the mobile device over a wireless datanetwork. Following the block 1118, the media channel selection process1100 ends. However, it should be recognized that the media channelselection process 1100 can be repeated each time a patron is discoveredat the establishment.

Although the media channel selection process 1100 primarily concernsdelivering media content associated with a selected media channel to amobile device, other electronic data can be exchanged between the localserver and the mobile device. As examples, the mobile device canoptionally also interact with the local server to provide feedback tothe local server, obtain information on other topics of interest fromthe local server, receive product or service information associated withproducts or services offered by the establishment, etc. For example,current sales or coupons at the establishment can be made available tothe mobile device by the local server. Such other electronic data canthus facilitate ecommerce transactions for products or services offeredat the establishment.

According to another aspect of the invention, an establishment provideslocal replay of specific data. The specific data can provide a replay ofa previously recorded media item, such as an audio or video recording.For example, the replay can pertain to a recent sporting event orcurrent news, which can be in audio or video formats. The patron to theestablishment can receive the local replay via wireless means to theirmobile device. In one embodiment, the specific data for the replay canbe provided by a local transmission or a media channel as discussedabove. In an alternative embodiment, the patron can physically connecttheir mobile device to a port provided at the establishments to receivethe specific data by a wired means.

According to another aspect of the invention, an establishment (such asa store) can allow users with mobile devices to either influence digitalcontent being locally transmitted at the vicinity of the establishmentor permit users to request certain digital content be locallytransmitted or otherwise made available. The digital content can bemedia content. In one embodiment, the digital content can be transmittedby streaming data from a local server over a localized wireless networkprovided at the establishment to one or more mobile devices of patrons.In another embodiment, the digital content can be broadcast over radiowaves, such as localized AM or FM broadcasts, to mobile devices ofpatrons that are within the vicinity of the establishment. In stillanother embodiment, the digital content can be broadcast by a mediasystem (e.g., sound system) having media output devices (e.g., speakers)at the establishment.

In one embodiment, the establishment can provide a data delivery server(e.g., local server) which can operate as a jukebox. A patron to theestablishment can influence the data being presented (i.e., served) bythe data delivery server. In one embodiment, the media content can beinfluenced by the mobile devices of patrons within the establishment.For example, if a substantial percentage of the media devices associatedwith patrons that are fond of country music, the media content beingtransmitted (e.g., broadcast) by the data delivery server can providecountry related media (e.g., country music). In one implementation, apatron within the establishment can influence the media content throughone or more preferences that have been previously saved on their mobiledevice. In another implementation, a patron within the establishment caninfluence the media content by interaction with the data deliveryserver. As an example, the patron can be presented with a menu on theirmobile device. Through interaction with the menu, the patron can signalthe data delivery server of the particular digital content that thepatron would prefer to receive (e.g., hear) while in the establishment.

In the case in which there are multiple patrons attempting to influencethe digital content being delivered at the establishment, the datadelivery server can operate to determine the particular digital contentto be delivered. For example, the data delivery server could determinethat it will automatically determine the data to be delivered based uponthe preferences or interests of the patrons with mobile devices withinthe establishment. Here, the system can automatically adjust the digitalcontent being delivered based upon the preferences or interests of itspatrons. As another example, when a user is providing explicit datadelivery request, such as through menu interaction as noted above, thedata delivery server can operate to place a particular data item (e.g.,media item) in a delivery queue. The particular data item can bespecifically selected by the patron or can be pseudo randomly selectedby the data delivery server based on more general criteria provided bythe patron. The data delivery server can output the data item inaccordance with the delivery queue. The influence on the data deliverycan be used in selecting the particular media items or classes of mediaitems. The user influence or specific requests can be based on types ofmusic, news, sports, etc. For example, if a substantial portion of thepatrons want to listen to sports, as opposed to music, the data deliveryserver could transition to provide sports related content.

Another aspect of the invention is a subscription service for data, suchas music or sports data. As an example, the subscription service can beassociated with a user that has a mobile device. As the user and themobile device enter an establishment, the establishment can recognizethe user as a member of the subscription service and then permit(on-demand or automatically) delivery of data to the mobile device.Normally, the data delivery would be wireless. The data being deliveredcan be periodically made available, such as daily or weekly. Forexample, a user can visit a particular establishment on a weekly basisand when they visit the establishment they can receive the weekly data(data for the week). As a more specific example, if the establishmentpertains to a chain of coffee shops, when the user (that is asubscriber) visits any of the coffee shops, they can receive the weeklydata. For example, the weekly data can pertain to a song of the week,sports highlights for the week, financial news for the week, etc. Theweekly data can be in the form of a media item. This type of systemallows for the convenient distribution of data to mobile users, while atthe same time encouraging such mobile users to visit certainestablishments.

In another embodiment, a user (patron) may have acquired (e.g.,purchased) a subscription service to receive certain digital data. Thedigital content associated with the subscription can be obtained whenthe user (patron) visits an establishment that supports the subscriptionservice.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a subscription data delivery process 1200according to one embodiment of the invention. The subscription datadelivery process 1200 allows a user of a mobile device to subscribe toan electronic subscription service to receive data in a periodic manner.As an example, the subscription service can pertain to a weekly or dailymedia service that respectively provides daily or weekly media contentof interest to the user. As discussed below, the establishment canprovide a local server to facilitate the delivery of the subscriptiondata to mobile devices associated with users (patrons). The user of themobile device becomes a patron at an establishment when the user entersthe vicinity of the establishment. According to the subscription, themedia content is made available in accordance with the periodic natureof the subscription. Consequently, the user is motivated to visit aparticipating establishment periodically so as to receive thesubscription data.

The subscription data delivery process 1200 begins with a decision 1202that determines whether a patron has been discovered at theestablishment. Typically, a patron can be discovered at theestablishment by discovering a mobile device associated with the patronin the vicinity of the establishment using a wireless network providedby the establishment. When the decision 1202 determines that a patronhas not been discovered, the subscription data delivery process 1200awaits the discovery of a patron. Once the decision 1202 determines thata patron has been discovered, an identifier from the mobile deviceassociated with the patron can be retrieved 1204. Then, a decision 1206can determine whether the patron has an electronic subscription service.Here, the decision 1206 can be performed by a server, such as the localserver or a remote server, to determine whether the patron, asidentified by the identifier, has an electronic subscription servicethat is supported by the local server at the establishment. When thedecision 1206 determines that the patron does have an electronicsubscription service that is supported by the local server at theestablishment, a decision 1208 determines whether there is anysubscriber data to be delivered to the patron at this time. When thedecision 1208 determines that there is subscriber data to be delivered,the patron can be prompted 1210 to approve delivery of the subscriberdata. For example, the patron may choose not to receive the subscriberdata during this visit to the establishment. Alternatively, the patroncould configure their mobile device to automatically approve thedelivery of such data. In any case, when the decision 1212 determinesthat delivery is approved, the subscriber data, namely, currentsubscriber data, is delivered 1214 to the mobile device of the patron.Typically, the local server would download or stream the subscriber datato the mobile device. On the other hand, no subscriber data is deliveredto the mobile device of the patron if the decision 1212 determines thatdelivery is not approved as well as when there is no subscriber data tobe delivered. Hence, following the block 1214, as well as following thedecisions 1206, 1208 and 1212 when the tested condition is not present,the subscription data delivery process 1200 ends for the particularpatron that has been discovered. Although the subscription data deliveryprocess 1200 ends, the subscription data delivery process 1200 canrepeat its processing each time a patron is discovered.

FIG. 13A is an exemplary subscription data availability screen 1300according to one embodiment of the invention. The subscription dataavailability screen 1300 can represent a screen being displayed on adisplay of a mobile device associated with a patron. The subscriptiondata availability screen 1300 can be presented to a patron to approve ordecline delivery of subscription data (e.g., new Sports Highlights MediaFile). The subscription data availability screen 1300 can be used toprompt the patron for approval at block 1210 of the subscription datadelivery process 1200.

FIG. 13B is an exemplary subscription data availability screen 1350according to another embodiment of the invention. The subscription dataavailability screen 1350 can represent a screen being displayed on adisplay of a mobile device associated with a patron. The subscriptiondata availability screen 1300 can be presented to a patron to inform thepatron that subscription data (e.g., new Sports Highlights Media File)is being sent to the mobile device. The subscription data availabilityscreen 1350 can be used when the mobile device or a subscription accounthas been configured to automatically deliver the subscription data.Automatic delivery of subscription data can be performed by thesubscription data delivery process 1200 by bypassing blocks 1210 and1212.

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a localized data delivery process 1400according to one embodiment of the invention. The localized datadelivery process 1400 can operate to permit a patron at a location(e.g., an establishment, venue, etc.) to obtain (automatically ormanually) localized data (i.e., data pertaining to the location). Thelocalized data delivery process 1400 is, for example, performed by alocal server (e.g., the local media server 602 illustrated in FIG. 6A)or local media system (e.g., any of the local media systems 621, 624,628 and 632 illustrated in FIG. 6B).

The localized data delivery process 1400 begins with a decision 1402.The decision 1402 determines whether a portable electronic device ispresent at the location. The location is the location of the localserver or the local media server that is performing the localized datadelivery process 1400. For example, the location can be associated witha restaurant, an airport, an office complex, an amusement park, atheater, a shopping mall, and the like. Typically, the location can beconsidered an establishment or a venue. Once the decision 1402determines that the portable electronic device is present at thelocation, data content to be delivered to the portable electronic deviceis determined 1404. Next, the determined data content is delivered 1406to the portable electronic device over a local wireless network. Notethat the delivery 1406 of the determined data content is performed overa local wireless network. Hence, the delivery of the determined datacontent is typically only available so long as the portable electronicdevice remains within the range of the local wireless network.Typically, the range of a local wireless network is substantiallycommensurate with the establishment or venue at the location. Followingthe block 1406, the localized data delivery process 1400 ends.

Still another aspect of the invention pertains to a user interface,namely, a graphical user interface, for a mobile device. The graphicaluser interface can be dependent upon the location of the mobile device.For example, if the user of the mobile device is presently at anairport, the graphical user interface being presented to the user canpresent information that would be of interest to the air traveler. Inone embodiment, the airport includes one or more local servers thatprovide the information to the mobile device. Alternatively, a remotelylocated centralized server can provide the information to the mobiledevice by way of a wireless access point at the airport. Moreover, asthe user moves to different geographic locations, the graphical userinterface being presented can change. For example, if the user is laterat a stadium watching a football game, the graphical user interface canprovide information pertaining to the sport being played at the stadium.

Graphical User Interface

Still another aspect of the invention pertains to graphical userinterfaces that can be provided to facilitate delivery, exchange orsharing of data. A media management application operating on the mobiledevice would typically provide the graphical user interface on a smalldisplay screen available on the mobile device. Several graphical userinterfaces have been discussed above.

The graphical user interface would assist a user of the mobile device ininteracting with the mobile device. For example, the user interfacewould facilitate navigation of locally stored media as well as remotelystored media. The user interface could provide sharing controls. Thesesharing controls would facilitate a user in sharing items with one ormore other devices. For example, these sharing controls can enable auser to set preference settings and/or present or respond to dialogs foruser interaction. For example, a preference setting could allow a userto automatically permit certain types of sharing. Such sharing can berestricted to certain users or be dependent on various conditions. Asanother example, a user dialog could request permission to share mediacontent with another user or mobile device.

In one embodiment, the graphical user interface can also facilitate ahistory list. A history list can maintain a list of media items that auser of a mobile device has heard during a period of time. The historylist can also record where you heard the media items. For example, ifthe media item was being transmitted (e.g., broadcasted) at a retailestablishment by a local media server, the history list could recordthat the media item was heard while you were at the retailestablishment. The history list can also record information such aswhere the user has been and when. The history list can also indicatewho, what, where and when the mobile device has been interacting. Thehistory list can also be searchable and uploadable to a computingdevice.

The user interface can also facilitate providing a shopping list. Forexample, a shopping list can be a virtual list that is maintained by amedia device or a personal computer or a server for the benefit of aparticular user. Typically, the user has a user account and the shoppinglist can be associated with that user account. A user of a device caninteract with a user interface to add or remove items from the shoppinglist. The shopping list can be synchronized with various differentdevices associated with the user. Hence, the shopping list can beavailable from any of such devices. The shopping list can alsofacilitate ecommerce in that a purchase of items from the shopping listcan be done in a simple and user-friendly manner.

As previously noted, a mobile device can receive data in a wirelessmanner from another mobile device or a wireless content server. The databeing received can be stored at the mobile device and/or presented on adisplay screen of the mobile device. The data received can specify howinformation is to be displayed on the mobile device. Regardless, theinformation can be presented on the display as a graphical userinterface. In addition, to facilitate purchase of any of the items onthe interest list or on the shopping list, the user interface presentedon the mobile device (or other device) can accommodate electroniccommerce.

In one embodiment, the mobile device can support an interest listassociated with the user of the mobile device. The interest list canenable the user of the mobile device to manually select items from thedisplay screen that are of interest to the user. The user interface canalso facilitate bookmarking, tagging or other user actions to indicateinterest in a particular item. For example, if upon entering a businessthe user hears a song being played that is of interest, the user caninteract with the mobile device (e.g., display screen) to indicate thata description of the song should be added to his/her interest list. Theextent of the user's interest can also be noted. For example, theinterest could be high such that the user wants the song to beautomatically purchased for their use. On the other hand, the interestcould be moderate such that the user wants to remember the song andpossibly buy it at a later point in time.

In one embodiment, the interest list is a shopping list or a partthereof. The interest list can be shared amongst a plurality ofdifferent computing devices associated with the user. For example, ifthe user has a stationary computer, the interest list can besynchronized with an interest list at the mobile device. The interestlist, like the history list, can be searchable and uploadable.

Further, the graphical user interface for the mobile device can alsofacilitate various user controls for data sharing. In other words, theuser of a mobile device may want to control the nature and extent ofdata sharing that can be performed with his/her mobile device. Thesharing controls, for example, can enable a user to designate items asshareable or not shareable, designate groups of persons to receivecertain shareable information, set various preference settings, and/orprovide permission (e.g., via dialog screens) to perform data sharingwith another.

Although the graphical user interfaces are primarily associated withmobile devices that provide display screens, the graphical userinterfaces could be used with other electronic devices (e.g.,computers).

Remote Media Update

Another aspect of the invention pertains to techniques for updatingmedia on a mobile device. In one embodiment, a remote shuffle operationcan be performed with respect to media items stored on a mobile device,such as a portable media player.

FIG. 15A is a flow diagram of a mobile media update process 1500according to one embodiment of the invention. The mobile media updateprocess 1500 is, for example, performed by a mobile media device (e.g.,portable media player) when in the presence of a wireless network thatfacilitates Internet connectivity.

The mobile media update process 1500 begins with a decision 1502 thatdetermines whether a wireless network is available. Here, the decision1502 determines whether the mobile media device is in the presence of awireless network such that the mobile media device can utilize thewireless network. When the decision 1502 determines that a wirelessnetwork is available, a decision 1504 determines whether automaticremote shuffle has been enabled. In one embodiment, a preference settingfor the mobile media device can enable/disable automatic remote shuffle.When the decision 1504 determines that automatic remote shuffle has beenenabled, a decision 1506 determines whether media depository access isavailable. Here, a media depository stores a plurality of media items.Typically, the media depository supports access from a plurality ofusers that have registered accounts with the media depository. In oneembodiment, the media depository is a media server that includes datastorage and/or access to a data storage device. For example, withreference to FIG. 3, the media depository could pertain to the centralmedia server 301, the personal computer 304 or the local media server308.

When the decision 1506 determines that the mobile media device hasaccess to the media depository, a remote shuffle request is sent 1508from the mobile media device to the media depository. Here, the mobilemedia device transmits the remote shuffle request to the mediadepository via the wireless network as well as potentially othernetworks, e.g., a wired network. After the remote shuffle request hasbeen sent 1508, a decision 1510 determines whether a media updateresponse has been received.

In response to the remote shuffle request, the media depository producesa media update response after receiving and processing the remoteshuffle request. The media update response contains one or more mediaitems. The one or more media items provided with the media updateresponse are typically dependent upon the account associated with themobile media device or its user. For example, the account may indicatethat only a subset of the generally available media items are permittedto be utilized by the account holder. In such case, the one or moremedia items provided in or with the media update response are limited tothose media items for which the account holder is authorized.Additionally, the selection of the one or more media items to beprovided in the media update response can be dependent upon a wide rangeof factors or criteria. For example, user ratings, play counts, genre,play history, time and location can all be used to influence those mediaitems that are provided in the media update response. The media updateresponse can also contain one or more instructions for the mobile mediadevice. For example, the instructions can direct the deletion of certainor all the media items previously stored on the mobile media device.More particularly, prior to storing new media items, previously storedmedia items would normally be deleted to free-up data storage space forthe new media items.

Once the decision 1510 determines that a media update response has beenreceived, the media items stored in the mobile media device are updated1512 in accordance with the media update response. Here, the mediaupdate response can include the media items or can include references tothe media items. In any case, the media items themselves are stored inthe mobile media device during the update 1512. Following the block1512, the mobile media update process 1500 ends.

Alternatively, the mobile media device is not updated when the wirelessnetwork is unavailable, when the automatic remote shuffle is disabled orwhen the media depository access is not available. In such cases, themobile media update process 1500 ends without any media update.

FIG. 15B illustrates an exemplary representation of an existing set 1520of media items stored in a mobile media device according to oneembodiment of the invention, and FIG. 15C illustrates an exemplaryrepresentation of an updated set 1520 of media items stored in themobile media device according to one embodiment of the invention. Theexisting set 1520 of media items includes songs 1-7. At a subsequentpoint in time, when the mobile media device comes within a wirelessnetwork, then the existing set 1520 of media items can be updated to anew set 1520′ of media items as illustrated in FIG. 15C, providedautomatic remote shuffle is enabled and provided access to a remotemedia depository access is available. Here, it should be noted that inthe new set 1520′ of media items includes songs 4 and 6 that were partof the existing set 1520 of media items as well as new songs 8-12. Itshould be noted that songs 1-3 and 5 are not included in the new set1520′. The new songs 8-12 are provided from the media repository via themedia update response. In this example, the new set 1520′ retains aportion of the existing set 1520. Various criterion can be used todetermine which of the media items in the existing set 1520 are to bereplaced when forming the new set 1520′. Examples of such criterioninclude user ratings, play counts, genre, play history, time andlocation. One or more of the criterion can be used in this regard. As anexample, the portion of the existing set 1520 that is to be retained inthe new set 1520′ can be selected because such songs have not beenplayed recently, have high user ratings, or due to other reasons.

Multiple Access Point Discrimination

Still another aspect of the invention concerns discrimination ofdifferent access points associated with different establishments. In theevent that a mobile device associated with a user is capable ofcommunicating over two different wireless access points, each associatedwith them different establishments, the mobile device can assist theuser in coupling to the appropriate wireless access point. In thisregard, authentication can be utilized to distinguish the differentaccess points. Authentication can also be utilized to filter out thoseaccess points that are not of interest to the user. For example, theuser can maintain on the mobile device, a list of acceptableestablishments, a list of previously utilized establishments, or a listof preferences for connection.

Additional information concerning wireless communication, media devices,content updates, synchronization and the like are provided in thefollowing: (i) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/485,142, filed Jul.11, 2006, and entitled “WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM,” now U.S. Pat.No. 7,724,716, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; (ii)U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/324,863, filed Jan. 3, 2006, andentitled “REMOTE CONTENT UPDATES FOR PORTABLE MEDIA DEVICES,” now U.S.Patent Publication No. 2007/0169087, which is hereby incorporated hereinby reference; (iii) U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/210,172, filedAug. 22, 2005, and entitled “AUDIO SAMPLING AND ACQUISITION SYSTEM,” nowU.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0235864, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference; (iv) U.S. application Ser. No. 10/987,649, filedNov. 12, 2004, and entitled “WIRELESS SYNCHRONIZATION BETWEEN MEDIAPLAYER AND HOST DEVICE,” now U.S. Patent Publication No. 2006/0168351,which is hereby incorporated herein by reference; and (v) U.S.application Ser. No. 10/423,490, filed Apr. 25, 2003, and entitled“MEDIA PLAYER SYSTEM,” now U.S. Pat. No. 7,627,343, which is herebyincorporated herein by reference.

The various aspects, embodiments, implementations or features of theinvention can be used separately or in any combination.

The invention can be implemented by software, hardware or a combinationof hardware and software. The invention can also be embodied as computerreadable code on a computer readable medium. The computer readablemedium is any data storage device that can store data which canthereafter be read by a computer system. Examples of the computerreadable medium include read-only memory, random-access memory, CD-ROMs,DVDs, magnetic tape, optical data storage devices, and carrier waves.The computer readable medium can also be distributed overnetwork-coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code isstored and executed in a distributed fashion.

The advantages of the invention are numerous. Different aspects,embodiments or implementations may yield one or more of the followingadvantages. One advantage of the invention is that data, such as mediadata, can be provided to a portable media device by way of a wirelessnetwork, namely, a local wireless network, or by another portable mediadevice. The wireless data exchange can be one-way or two-way. Thewireless data exchange can also be automatic or on-demand. Anotheradvantage of the invention is that user preferences, characteristics,interests or locations can be used to customize the data being providedto a portable electronic device. Still another advantage of theinvention is that delivery of data, such as media data, can be providedby a distributed network of local servers provided at various differentlocations. The various different locations can pertain toestablishments, venues, etc. that provide a local server that supportsdelivery of data to portable media devices at the respective locations.

The many features and advantages of the present invention are apparentfrom the written description. Further, since numerous modifications andchanges will readily occur to those skilled in the art, the inventionshould not be limited to the exact construction and operation asillustrated and described. Hence, all suitable modifications andequivalents may be resorted to as falling within the scope of theinvention.

1. A method for broadcasting media content in a venue, the methodcomprising: automatically retrieving user information from portablemedia devices in proximity of the venue that are controlled by users whohave purchased media items; identifying media content to be broadcastedfrom a media content server to all users in proximity of the venue basedupon the retrieved user information; and broadcasting the identifiedmedia content at the venue.
 2. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: repeating the retrieving, identifying, and broadcasting atpredetermined intervals to provide dynamic broadcasted media contentrelevant to or preferred by the users at the venue.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: for each portable media device, comparingthe user information against a set of predetermined rules to determineif it is permissible to retrieve user preferences from the userinformation; and wherein the retrieving includes obtaining userpreferences only from user information from which it is determined it ispermissible to obtain.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:obtaining media purchase information from the portable media devices,wherein the media purchase information includes data regarding mediaitems purchased by users in possession of the portable media devices;and identifying media content to be broadcasted at the venue based upondata indicating that certain media items are popular purchases.
 5. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: streaming media contentinformation to the portable media devices, allowing the portable mediadevices to display the media content information as the provided mediacontent is being played.
 6. A method for providing broadcasted mediacontent from a media content server to at least one user in a venue inpossession of a portable media device, the method comprising:transmitting a plurality of different broadcasts of media content tousers at a venue; providing incentives to users to share informationfrom user profiles stored on the users' portable media devices;retrieving information that users have permitted to be shared; obtainingcharacteristics from the information in the user profiles that indicatea preference for certain types of media content; identifying thedifferent broadcasts of media content to the portable media devicesbased upon the obtained characteristics and based upon user purchaseswhen the portable media devices are in the proximity of the venue; andproviding the mobile devices with interfaces that permit users to selectone of the plurality of different broadcasts to play from the mobiledevice.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the incentives include afinancial incentive.
 8. The method of claim 6, wherein the incentivesinclude a credit towards purchasing media content at an online mediastore.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the credit is only provided ifthe sharing of the information results in a purchase of media contentfrom the online media store by a different user.
 10. A system forproviding broadcasted media content to at least one user in a venue, thesystem comprising: a wireless access point located at the venue; aserver coupled to the wireless access point, wherein the server isconfigured to: automatically retrieve user information from portablemedia devices in proximity of the venue that are controlled by users whohave subscribed to content; identify media content to be broadcastedfrom a media content server to all users in proximity of the venue basedupon the retrieved user preferences; and broadcast the identified mediacontent at the venue.
 11. The system of claim 10, wherein the venue is abusiness establishment, airport, or city.
 12. The system of claim 10,wherein the server is further coupled to a plurality of other wirelessaccess points located at the venue.
 13. The system of claim 10, whereinthe server is further configured to: determine how long each mobiledevice has been located at various portions of the venue delineated bythe wireless access points by tracking communications between the mobiledevices and the wireless access points; and update the broadcasted mediacontent based upon how long each mobile device has been located at thevarious portions of the venue.
 14. A portable media device comprising: awireless interface; and a processor configured to: receive a broadcastof media content to users at a venue when the portable media device isin proximity of the venue; transmit information from a user profilestored on the portable media device via the wireless interface to awireless access point within the venue, wherein the information includescharacteristics that indicate a preference for certain types of mediacontent, if a user controlling the portable media device has subscribedto the broadcast; and receive a broadcast of media content based uponthe obtained characteristics.
 15. The portable media device of claim 14,wherein the processor is further configured to: compare the informationagainst a set of predetermined rules to determine if it is permissibleto transmit characteristics from the information; and wherein thetransmitting includes transmitting only characteristics deemedpermissible to transmit.
 16. The portable media device of claim 14,wherein the receiving a broadcast is performed using a device other thanthe wireless interface.
 17. The portable media device of claim 16,wherein the device other than the wireless interface is an audio tuner.18. A computer readable medium for storing in non-transitory tangibleform computer instructions executable by a processor for receiving mediacontent at a portable media device, the computer readable mediumcomprising: computer code for automatically retrieving user informationfrom portable media devices in proximity of the venue that arecontrolled by users who have subscribed to content; computer code foridentifying media content to be broadcasted from a media content serverto all users in proximity of the venue based upon the retrieved userpreferences; and computer code for broadcasting the identified mediacontent at the venue.
 19. The computer readable medium of claim 18,wherein the automatically retrieving is performed via a wirelesscommunication medium.
 20. The computer readable medium of claim 19,wherein the broadcasted media content is provided at the venue via adifferent transmission medium than the wireless communication over whichthe user information from the portable media device is retrieved. 21.The computer readable medium of claim 20, wherein the broadcasted mediacontent is provided at the venue via a medium that is not compatiblewith the portable media device.
 22. The computer readable medium ofclaim 18, wherein the broadcasted media content is provided at the venueby broadcasting the media content over speakers at the venue.
 23. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 18, wherein the broadcasted mediacontent is provided at the venue by streaming the broadcasted mediacontent directly to the portable media device.